25 September 2025
Theft from retail stores has surged by almost 30% in the past year, with organised syndicates and repeat offenders targeting supermarkets, shopping centres and fast food outlets. At the same time, workers continue to be subjected to abuse, threats and violence while simply doing their jobs.
This is unacceptable.
Premier Jacinta Allan promised in May 2024 to introduce legislation to deliver tougher penalties for violence and abuse directed at workers. More than a year has passed, and workers are still waiting.
If the Government can move quickly to legislate bans on machetes, it can and should act just as quickly to deliver the long-promised protections for retail and fast food workers.
Victoria also urgently needs Workplace Protection Orders, as used in the ACT, to ban offenders from returning to workplaces where they’ve abused or assaulted staff. There’s no reason Victoria can’t adopt the same protections.
We cannot wait until Christmas.
The laws must be introduced and passed without any further delay. Every day of waiting leaves workers exposed to abuse, intimidation and harm.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO SDA VICTORIA SECRETARY MICHAEL DONOVAN:
- “This report confirms what our members live every day: crime in retail and fast food is rising, and workers are paying the price.”
- “Shoppers and staff deserve to feel safe, but right now too many workers are walking into shifts expecting to be abused or threatened.”
- “The Premier made a promise to protect these workers with stronger penalties. It’s time to deliver on that promise.”
- “If Parliament can fast-track laws to ban machetes, then it can and should fast-track laws to punish those who threaten, abuse and assault retail and fast food workers.”
- “Victoria must also follow the ACT and introduce Workplace Protection Orders, because no worker should have to face the same offender walking back through their workplace doors.”
- “Retail violence cannot be normalised in Victoria; action must be taken right away to protect our vulnerable frontline workers.”
For media inquiries, contact Jim Middleton: 0418 627 066
